ISA Confirmed at Farm in Newfoundland

ANALYSIS - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) has been found at a commercial aquaculture facility in Newfoundland and Labrador, writes Lucy Towers, TheFishSite Editor..

The CFIA told TheFishSite that a quarantine remains on the facility to
control movements of people, vessels, equipment and fish onto or off the
site.

In response to the outbreak the CFIA has ordered all affected cages of salmon to be humanely
destroyed and disposed of.

In addition, the CFIA said it will oversee the cleaning and disinfection of all cages and equipment. After cleaning, the aquaculture facility will remain empty for a period of time prior to restocking.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture department of the Newfoundland and Labrador confirmed to TheFishSite that the affected farm belongs to Gray Aqua Group, located in Butter Cove, St Alban's.

The farm has 14 cages, three of which have been confirmed with ISA. Around 450,000 fish are to be culled.

Although the exact source of the infection is unknown, it is thought to be due to contact with infected wild fish.

The CFIA is now conducting an epidemiological investigation in order to gather additional
information.